Sen. Vitter: David and Charles Koch 'Fighting for Our Freedoms'

Sen. David Vitter praised conservative billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch as "two of the most patriotic Americans" ever during a town hall discussion about the growing influence of lobbyists.

In a video of his effusive praise first posted by Talking Points Memo, Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, answers a woman concerned about lobbyists "paying so much money" at a March 18 town hall at an elementary school in Blanchard, La.

Vitter explained it was a First Amendment right to be "able to approach your legislators," and to "be able to hire people to help you do that is ... a protected right."

He then declared: "I think the Koch Brothers are two of the most patriotic Americans in the history of the Earth," prompting applause from the audience, the video shows.

Politico noted Democrats, in response, are trying to make the influence of the brothers an issue during the midterms — with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid the most vociferous critic, calling them "un-American."